Fairy Meadow is an established residential, institutional and parkland. Fairy Meadow was named to describe the area, with grassed open meadow and stream of fresh water, noted for its "fairy-like" beauty. It was previously known as Para Meadow and Ferrah Meadow.

Major features of the area include University of Wollongong, (innovation Campus), Science Centre Planetarium, Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort, North Dalton Park, Fairy Meadow Beach and Thomas Dalton Park.